15 Things to Do in Aomori

This prefecture has a great deal to offer. There is something for everyone: spectacular festivals, delicious food, unique temples, fascinating museums, skiing, onsen, and many more.

Culture Attractions Food & Drink Nature Tohoku

Alison Taylor

June 6, 2017

Yamadera Temple in Yamagata: Ascent to The Temple of Standing Stones

Officially called Risshakuji (temple of standing stones), the training ground for monks of the Tendai sect was founded here over eleven centuries ago.

Nature Tohoku

Jackie Imamura

June 1, 2017

Hachijojima: Tropical Tokyo

I couldn’t shake the impression that I’d only touched very lightly on the potential of this ruggedly beautiful island.

Nature Kanto

Lorne Fetzek

May 27, 2017

A Guide to Tsugaru Peninsula, Aomori

West of the road were a series of lakes, ponds, marshes and wetlands between you and the sea. To the east was the Iwaki River, farm villages and the southern end of the Tsugaru Mountains, the northernmost mountains of the Ou chain.

Attractions Nature Tohoku

Dkun

May 27, 2017

Spring Camp in Sagamihara's Wakaayu Village

For international students looking for an opportunity to present your culture and also meet people from all over the world...

Nature Events Kanto

Gita Pramesari

May 17, 2017

At Home in Rural Japan Pt. 2: The Spring Kitchen and Foraging of Wild Vegetables

People might wonder–why take the trouble to forage when vegetables can be easily purchased? The answer lies in a deep rooted part of the rural life-style and traditional Japanese cuisine which involves eating seasonal foods.

Nature Food & Drink All Japan

Connie Nakamura

May 15, 2017

Kozushima: My Cool Island Getaway

I recently took a trip down to Kozushima, one of the many stunning islands around mainland Japan. The time I spent here will forever hold a place in my heart. It had everything I needed for a wonderful trip.

Nature Kanto

Dhwani Pandya

May 13, 2017

Coming Up Roses: Saitama Bara Matsuri

Trust me, even if you have zero interest in staring at various forms of roses, fear not: there is plenty more on offer to entertain and distract you.

Nature Events Kanto

Peter Leonard

May 13, 2017

Rafting Through Rural Japan in Shikoku’s Oboke Gorge

Oboke Gorge, deep in the secluded mountains of Tokushima and Kochi, has some of the clearest waters in Japan. The winding stretch of the Yoshino River has a rocky bottom that the bright blue-green water runs through creating—given ideal weather—an incredible rafting experience.

Nature Events Shikoku

Jessica Needham

May 6, 2017

Exploring the Sanriku Coast

The sanriku coast is a must-see for nature lovers. I fully believe it is one of the most beautiful areas in Japan.

Nature Tohoku

Alison Taylor

April 30, 2017

The Sandbar of Amanohashidate

In a country famed for its beautiful scenery, it would take something special to be canonically named as one of Japan’s best scenic views.

Nature Kansai

Alan Jones

April 30, 2017

Mt. Nakimushi: A Hidden Trail in Nikko

Meet Mt. Nakimushi (鳴虫山), a small mountain in Nikko that is about 1,200 meters high. Once there, you’ll immediately know where to begin since there are several signs in the area to point you in the right direction.

Nature Kanto

Jamila Brown

April 24, 2017

Tsurumine Park: Okaya’s Azalea Heaven in Nagano

Around April and May, there are quite a few events or festivals held where you can visit parks and just enjoy the blooming of the azaleas.

Nature Chubu

Koyomi

April 20, 2017

Enjoying Mt. Fuji at Kawaguchiko Lake: No Hiking Required

Mt. Fuji is Japan's most famous and beloved landmark so it is on most people's "must see" lists. However, not everyone is willing or able to climb it. Fortunately, there are many ways to enjoy Fuji and the surrounding areas without hiking.

Culture Nature Chubu

Alison Taylor

April 18, 2017

Sakuranomiya: The Osaka District Where Cherry Blossoms Bloom

In Osaka, there are many locations with beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots, such as the iconic Osaka Castle. This time, I would like to introduce a district where a huge part of it is covered in cherry blossoms, Sakuranomiya.

Nature Kansai

Lauren Sumon Chandra

April 8, 2017

A Pink Wave Approaching: The Yamagata Cherry Blossoms

And there’s no better place to enjoy sakura than in Japan’s northeast, where you can take in the blooms with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Nature Tohoku

Jackie Imamura

April 3, 2017

15 Things to Do in Okinawa

I had the privilege to live in Okinawa for some time and I hope to share my love for this beautiful island through this list!

Nature Culture Food & Drink Attractions Shopping Okinawa

Wendy Ng

April 1, 2017

3 Cherry Blossom Hotspots in Saitama

The Prefecture just north of Tokyo is not only less crowded, but has more green spots that boast a great array of cherry blossom hotspots just waiting to be gazed at.

Nature Attractions Kanto

Peter Leonard

March 28, 2017